Structural validity of Balance Evaluation Systems Test assessed using factor and Rasch analyses in patients with stroke.
Kazuhiro Miyata, Satoshi Hasegawa, Hiroki Iwamoto and 4 others
PMID 30568332WHAT IT FOUND
In 140 stroke patients who could walk unaided, a shorter 25-item balance test grouped into four areas described their balance better than the full 36-item test.
It may help therapists target gait, standing, stepping reactions, and sitting limits.
Key findings
01The full 36-item BESTest did not behave as one single balance score in these stroke patients.
02A reduced 25-item set grouped balance into four areas: dynamic postural control with gait, static postural control, stepping reaction, and stability limits in sitting.
03The four reduced scores moved with lower-limb motor stage and walking speed, with moderate relationships for several scores.
STILL TO COME
How it was doneWhat they foundWhat it means for PTs
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What it does not show
The study analyzed existing records retrospectively. Only people who could walk without physical assistance were included, so it does not show how the test behaves in non-ambulatory stroke patients. One factor had only two items, and the authors said this needs re-analysis in a larger cohort. The paper tested measurement structure only; it did not test whether using the 25-item version changes assessment decisions or patient outcomes.
Declared interests
The authors declared no conflicts of interest.
The easy way to misread this
Do not conclude that the 25-item version should replace the full BESTest for all stroke patients. It was tested only in people who could walk without assistance, and the study did not show that using it improves balance or function.